Showing papers in "International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management in 2008"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an overview of TPM implementation practices adopted by the manufacturing organizations and highlight appropriate enablers and success factors for eliminating barriers in successful TPM implementations.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and to present an overview of TPM implementation practices adopted by the manufacturing organizations. It also seeks to highlight appropriate enablers and success factors for eliminating barriers in successful TPM implementation.Design/methodology/approach – The paper systematically categorizes the published literature and then analyzes and reviews it methodically.Findings – The paper reveals the important issues in Total Productive Maintenance ranging from maintenance techniques, framework of TPM, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), TPM implementation practices, barriers and success factors in TPM implementation, etc. The contributions of strategic TPM programmes towards improving manufacturing competencies of the organizations have also been highlighted here.Practical implications – The literature on classification of Total Productive Maintenance has so far been very limited. The paper reviews a larg...
521 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors created a benchmark and identified best practices for Project Portfolio Management (PPM) for both tangible product-based and service-based development project portfolios.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to create a benchmark and identify best practices for Project Portfolio Management (PPM) for both tangible product‐based and service product‐based development project portfolios.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was developed to gather data to compare the PPM methods used, PPM performance, PPM challenges, and resulting new product success measures in 60 Australian organisations in a diverse range of service and manufacturing industries.Findings – The paper finds that PPM practices are shown to be very similar for service product development project portfolios and tangible product development project portfolios. New product success rates show strong correlation with measures of PPM performance and the use of some PPM methods is correlated with specific PPM performance outcomes.Research limitations/implications – The findings in this paper are based on a survey of a diverse sample of 60 Australian organisations. The results are strengthened by comparisons w...
218 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the importance of developing a quality management approach as a way to enhance the bottom line results of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is analyzed, and the main goal is to examine the synergistic relationships between TQM, performance, consumer orientation and innovation.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the importance of developing a quality management approach as a way to enhance the bottom line results of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The main goal is to examine the synergistic relationships between TQM, performance, consumer orientation and innovation.Design/methodology/approach – A structural equation modelling using a single‐indicator analysis corrected for measurement error is used to test a number of antecedents of SME performance.Findings – The findings reveal that the most relevant TQM components impacting on SME performance and consumer orientation are measuring results, quality assurance systems, top‐manager training programmes and leadership initiatives. Results also confirm both the impact of innovation on performance as well as that of consumer orientation on innovation. Furthermore, no statistical evidence was found to either confirm the effect of TQM on innovation, or that of consumer orientation on performance.Research limita...
188 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss some common myths and realities of Six Sigma by critically reviewing the existing literature on Six Sigma and also provide a greater insight into the viewpoints of leading academics and practitioners.
Abstract: Purpose – Six Sigma has been part of our business lexicon for more than a decade. Debates on its emergence as a strategic initiative have created critics who consider it as an old wine in a new bottle. Is Six Sigma a management fad? This article presents some common myths and realities of Six Sigma business strategy. The paper provides an excellent resource for those people who would like to know whether Six Sigma is just a management fad or fact.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses some common myths and realities of Six Sigma by critically reviewing the existing literature on Six Sigma and also provides a greater insight into the viewpoints of leading academics and practitioners.
Findings – Six Sigma is neither a fad nor just another quality initiative. It relies on factual data coupled with hard work and is a disciplined and structured problem-solving methodology. The authors strongly argue its integration with other continuous/breakthrough improvement initiatives for sustaining the merits of Six Sigma in the twenty-first century. The paper also elucidates the role of academia in further developing and establishing the best practices of Six Sigma management strategy. Six Sigma will evolve over time like many other initiatives – however, the key concepts, the principles of statistical thinking, tools and techniques of Six Sigma, will stay for many years, irrespective of whatever the “next big thing” will be.
Practical implications – In the authors' opinion, Six Sigma will continue to grow as a powerful management initiative for achieving and sustaining operational and service excellence. However, what will eventually determine whether Six Sigma is viewed by businesses as just a passing management fad or not, largely depends on the leadership and success of its execution. The authors believe that organisations developing and implementing Six Sigma should not view it as an advertising banner for promotional purposes.
Originality/value – The paper yields a great value to both researchers and practitioners of Six Sigma in dispelling the myths of Six Sigma, which have been quite prevalent in the business fraternity.
154 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the relationship between quality management practices and SME performance in Ghana, using a survey comprising 80 questions to a sample of 200 small firms employing fewer than 50 workers and covering all sectors in Ghana.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between quality management practices and SME performance in Ghana.Design/methodology/approach – Based on the literature, the paper adopted the MBNQA variables of leadership, strategic planning, human resource, customer focus, information and analysis, process management, and quality and operational results as tools of quality management practices. Seven hypotheses were postulated to examine the relationship of each of the MBNQA variables with the five SME performance indicators of profitability, customer satisfaction, sales growth, employee morale, and market share. A survey comprising 80 questions was administered to a sample of 200 small firms employing fewer than 50 workers and covering all sectors in Ghana. The questionnaire asked the participants to indicate on a five‐point Likert scale the extent to which each quality management practice was evident or was practiced of those that influence their firms' performance. Statistical an...
143 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine management attitudes/perceptions of Egyptian manufacturing organizations toward the implementation of ISO 9001:2000 through a structured mail survey and find that the main motivation for seeking ISO certification were to improve the efficiency of the quality system and to achieve customer satisfaction.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine management attitudes/perceptions of Egyptian manufacturing organizations toward the implementation of ISO 9001:2000. The implementation of ISO 9001:2000 depends on how the standard is perceived by Egyptian companies themselves.Design/methodology/approach – The present study is exploratory in nature and seeks to collect data about management attitudes/perceptions towards ISO 9001:2000 through a structured mail survey. Mail questionnaires were sent to 200 manufacturing companies throughout Egypt, yielding a response rate of 35 percent.Findings – Survey results indicated that Egyptian manufacturing organizations are aware of ISO 9001:2000 and it is considered to be relevant to their organizations. The main motivators for seeking ISO certification were to improve the efficiency of the quality system and to achieve customer satisfaction. The vital benefits perceived from implementing the certificate were improved documentation and improvement in the efficiency ...
128 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the role of total quality management (TQM) towards enhancing customer satisfaction and found that TQM substantially increases customer satisfaction across diverse industrial and cultural settings.
Abstract: Purpose – Aims to examine the role of total quality management (TQM) towards enhancing customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach – Using meta‐analysis, existing research studies on TQM and customer satisfaction were quantified, summarized, and tested for moderators to clarify TQM impact.Findings – It is found that TQM substantially increases customer satisfaction across diverse industrial and cultural settings.Originality/value – This research broadens the scope of TQM applicability across varied industrial and cultural settings to achieve higher customer focus, increased customer satisfaction, and stresses the need for more meta‐analytic studies on the subject.
123 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose a systematisation of technical risk management through the use of FMEA to optimise the decision making process in new product development (NPD).
Abstract: Purpose – Effectively managing risk is an essential element of successful project management. In this sense, the present study seeks to propose a systematisation of technical risk management through the use of FMEA to optimise the decision making process in new product development (NPD).Design/methodology/approach – The methodological approach adopted in this paper is a case study at an automaker in Brazil. Data were gathered from various sources, mostly participant observation and document analysis of two important NPD programmes. The risk management system was described and its influence on programs development analysed.Findings – Results included a reduction in the number of project and test planning loopings as well as a reduced number of prototypes needed to approve product components. In addition, there was a positive influence on the product development decision‐making process, evidenced by better allocation of resources among projects at the programme.Research limitations/implications – The study ...
122 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluate the contributions of total productive maintenance (TPM) initiatives towards improving manufacturing performance in Indian Manufacturing Industry and evaluate the correlations between various TPM implementation dimensions and manufacturing performance improvements.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the contributions of total productive maintenance (TPM) initiatives towards improving manufacturing performance in Indian Manufacturing Industry.Design/methodology/approach – In this study, a large number of manufacturing organizations have been extensively surveyed, to ascertain contributions made by TPM initiatives in the Indian manufacturing industries towards realizing manufacturing performance improvements. The correlations between various TPM implementation dimensions and manufacturing performance improvements have been evaluated and validated by employing various statistical tools.Findings – The research focuses upon the significant contributions of TPM implementation success factors like top management leadership and involvement, traditional maintenance practices and holistic TPM implementation initiatives, towards affecting improvements in manufacturing performance in the Indian industry. The inter‐relationships between various TPM implementation...
121 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose a methodology for the management of risk within the context of a project portfolio, where focus and requirements are expanded, and clear links to organizational objectives exist.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify differences in managing a single project compared with that of a project portfolio, where focus and requirements are expanded, and where clear links to organizational objectives exist. Further, the aim is to propose a methodology for the management of risk within the context of a project portfolio.Design/methodology/approach – The concepts and framework described in this paper have emerged primarily from an in‐depth action research study in a major provider of transport solutions. The work has been conducted within one division, with presence in most of mainland Europe, Scandinavia, and the UK.Findings – The paper finds that the proposed methodology would manage portfolio risk in two ways. First, it provides a means for single projects to gain experiences from other projects within the portfolio. Second, portfolio common risks and trends of issues can be identified. Such risks can become risks for succeeding projects, or require action from outside the si...
116 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the way quality management practices (QMPs) impact quality outcome, R&D process, and business performance, using investigation data from Chinese firms.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the way quality management practices (QMPs) impact quality outcome, R&D process, and business performance, using investigation data from Chinese firms. The possible moderating effects of industrial types and competition on the above influencing relationships were investigated as well.Design/methodology/approach – A two‐round questionnaire survey was conducted to 196 manufacturing and service firms in West China, and hypotheses were verified using a structural equation model with LISREL software.Findings – The results suggest that quality management practices do not have a positive impact on firms' business performance directly, but have an indirect impact on business performance mediated by quality performance and R&D performance. Furthermore, the authors find that industrial type can moderate the relationships between quality management practices and business performance, while competition does not.Originality/value – The findings make a significant contribution to u...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the relationship between the organizational culture (organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB)), TQM practice and organizational performance of the manquiladora companies.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore the relationship between the organizational culture (organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB)), TQM practice and organizational performance of the manquiladora companiesDesign/methodology/approach – A structural equation modelling based on a cross‐sectional survey (N=230) is conductedFindings – As multinational companies (MNCs) implement innovative management methodology such as the TQM practices, their organizational cultural elements play significant roles towards the outcome The organizational culture, represented by OCB, significantly impacts how TQM is managed and implemented Furthermore, the results point out “soft TQM elements” have more significant impact than “hard TQM elements” towards firm's performanceResearch limitations – The study includes a specific location (Maquiladora) onlyPractical implications – The findings suggest that management should also focus on the intrinsic motivations of employees represented by OCB rather than the
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the behavior of decision makers in portfolio management meetings on innovation projects and studied decision-making behavior at these meetings, finding that the set of rules for conducting portfolio meetings was only partially followed.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the behavior of decision makers in portfolio management meetings on innovation projects and to study decision‐making behavior at these meetings.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on the case‐study approach; a theoretical framework is derived from sociology to direct the analysis of a portfolio management meeting. Four factors explain the behavior of decision making: the portfolio models as defined by organizational rules; issues related to the organizational context; a tendency to behave as others expect and to make appropriate decisions; and organizational learning processes.Findings – The paper finds that the set of rules for conducting portfolio meetings was only partially followed. The identity of decision makers was not as calculating actors, but was shaped and influenced by four things: the formal system and rules, observations of others, the organizational context, and organizational learning. Systems other than the portfolio managemen...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a balanced scorecard for measuring the comparative efficiency of Korean luxury hotels and then set the benchmark of performance standards for Koreanluxury hotels in the increasingly competitive hotel industry.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to develop a balanced scorecard for measuring the comparative efficiency of Korean luxury hotels and then set the benchmark of performance standards for Korean luxury hotels in the increasingly competitive hotel industry. It also aims to identify the root causes of inefficiencies and then propose ways to improve the competitiveness of Korean luxury hotels.Design/methodology/approach – This paper proposes data envelopment analysis (DEA) to measure the comparative efficiency of six luxury hotel chains in Korea, relative to prior periods and their key competitors. In particular, this paper develops the Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes (CCR) model that is designed to derive weights without being fixed in advance. Also, the results of the CCR model with constant returns to scale were compared to those of the Banker, Charnes and Cooper (BCC) model with decreasing returns to scale.Findings – The paper finds that the declining efficiency within some Korean luxury hotels coincides with more agg...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the effect that internal service quality has on employees' prosocial customer behavior displayed, which is crucial for customers' perception of service quality. And they found that employees are more likely to improve their general performance and are more cooperative when internal service qualities exist.
Abstract: Purpose – The increasing importance of customer satisfaction is uncontested. Yet, banks are currently facing another major challenge, meeting the changing needs of customers. For this reason, the present study aims to examine the effect that internal service quality has on employees' prosocial customer behaviour displayed, which is crucial for customers' perception of service quality. This effect was examined both for publicly and for privately held banks.Design/methodology/approach – Out of 19 banks that operate in a major Greek city, 16 agreed to cooperate. The researchers personally administered 10 questionnaires to front‐line employees of every branch, on a random basis, and gathered 113 usable questionnaires. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, and regression analyses.Findings – The findings indicate that employees are more likely to improve their general performance and are more cooperative when internal service quality exists. Despite the fact that employees in both sectors agree ...
TL;DR: By implementing the cost‐oriented FMEA, quality management can be improved and in order to decide on improvement actions, costs arising from faults detected by the customer, costs of faults detected within the boundaries of the company and costs associated with false positive inspection results should be included in the evaluation of potential failures.
Abstract: Purpose – Conventional Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) may lead to wrong decisions in terms of a company's financial objectives. Thus, the aim of this paper is to develop an improved approach to prioritizing failures within the procedure of the FMEA.Design/methodology/approach – First, the current “risk priority number” (RPN) being used within the FMEA is developed. Second, a case study is conducted in cooperation with an automotive supplier in order to test the applicability and benefits of the new approach.Findings – By implementing the cost‐oriented FMEA, quality management can be improved. In order to decide on improvement actions, costs arising from faults detected by the customer, costs of faults detected within the boundaries of the company and costs associated with false positive inspection results should be included in the evaluation of potential failures. This case study confirms the benefits of the new approach.Research limitations/implications – In order to implement this modified FME...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the integration issues that are important to consider when attempting to implement the European Foundation for Quality Management's (EFQM's) Excellence Model in UK universities.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the integration issues that are important to consider when attempting to implement the European Foundation for Quality Management's (EFQM's) Excellence Model in UK universities. The aim of this paper is to explore the role that integration plays in effecting this implementation and to see how, in practice, integration might be achieved.Design/methodology/approach – A literature review reveals several factors in relation to integration. These factors were explored in four case studies of the implementation of the EFQM Excellence Model in UK universities.Findings – Evidence was found to support the view that the more that integration took place, the more likely it would be that implementation would be effective.Research limitations/implications – The research only covers four cases and therefore is only generalisable back to theory rather than to the population of UK university academic units.Practical implications – The paper proposes mechanisms for integra...
TL;DR: In this paper, a generic descriptive model is developed to examine the dynamics of quality costs and quality level over time, which supports continuous improvement regardless of the effectiveness of the firm's quality improvement programs.
Abstract: Purpose – The ideals of total quality view contradicts with the traditional prevention‐appraisal‐failure (PAF) model. The PAF model, based on the “higher quality‐higher cost” notion, fails to explain the “higher quality‐lower cost” premise of total quality. The purpose of this study is to examine the behaviour of quality costs and investigate the two contradicting views.Design/methodology/approach – Based on the literature, a generic descriptive model is developed to examine the dynamics of quality costs and quality level over time. Through illustrative examples, the behaviour of quality costs is demonstrated and relevant implications are highlighted.Findings – The proposed model supports continuous improvement regardless of the effectiveness of the firm's quality improvement programs. When the quality improvement program is highly effective, the “higher quality‐lower cost” phenomenon is observed; whereas, in a less effective quality improvement program, the authors observe the “higher quality‐higher cost...
TL;DR: A software reliability growth model based on the non‐homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) which incorporates the exponentiated Weibull testing‐effort functions into software reliability modeling and to estimate the optimal software release time is suggested.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to incorporate the exponentiated Weibull testing‐effort functions into software reliability modeling and to estimate the optimal software release time.Design/methodology/approach – This paper suggests a software reliability growth model based on the non‐homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) which incorporates the exponentiated Weibull (EW) testing‐efforts.Findings – Experimental results on actual data from three software projects are compared with other existing models which reveal that the proposed software reliability growth model with EW testing‐effort is wider and effective SRGM.Research limitations/implications – This paper presents a SRGM using a constant error detection rate per unit testing‐effort.Practical implications – Software reliability growth model is one of the fundamental techniques to assess software reliability quantitatively. The results obtained in this paper will be useful during the software testing process.Originality/value – The present schem...
TL;DR: In this article, a questionnaire survey was conducted and it was found that some management practices were more influential to service quality than others and that there were difficulties in implementing some of the management practices due to the type of staff employed and the nature of tasks undertaken.
Abstract: Purpose – Previously, a questionnaire survey was conducted and it was found that some management practices were more influential to service quality than others. The purpose of this paper is to identify in more detail the reasons behind the survey findings.Design/methodology/approach – Eighteen in‐depth interviews into a range of management practices which support service quality were conducted.Findings – It was found that there were difficulties in implementing some of the management practices due to the type of staff employed and to the nature of tasks undertaken.Research limitations/implications – As the purpose of this research is to facilitate interpretation of the quantitative data, the investigation did not go in detail beyond mass and technological services. Hence, individual organisational characteristics, individual circumstances, or details of the service offered to customers are not considered beyond the category of either mass or technological services.Originality/value – The paper identifies ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an overview of RAMS engineering in industry and research, focusing on the current scenario and also about the past scenario of research and industry in RAMS.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of RAMS engineering in industry and research.Design/methodology/approach – A range of research articles (1988‐2005) covering RAMS engineering is discussed to provide a practical and theoretical overview of RAMS engineering in industry and research.Findings – The paper provides information about the current scenario and also about the past scenario of RAMS engineering in research and industry. Research limitations/implications – This paper reviews much of the literature on RAMS engineering. The literature is collected from major journals and conference proceedings, the period covered is from 1988 to 2005. The authors have tried to make it reasonably comprehensive, but those papers which are not included were either inadvertently overlooked or considered peripheral to this survey. In the present work the authors have only considered those articles which have included two or more aspects of RAMS. Practical implications – The paper is a very useful...
TL;DR: In this paper, an optimization-based approach is presented to support the design of attribute sampling plans for lot acceptance purposes, with the fraction of non-conforming items being modeled by a Poisson probability distribution function.
Abstract: Purpose – This purpose of this paper is to present an optimization‐based approach to support the design of attribute sampling plans for lot acceptance purposes, with the fraction of non‐conforming items being modeled by a Poisson probability distribution function.Design/methodology/approach – The paper approach stands upon the minimization of the error of the probability of acceptance equalities in the controlled points of the operating curve (OC) with respect to sample size and acceptance number. It was applied to simple and double sampling plans, including several combinations of quality levels required by the producer and the consumer. Formulation of the design of acceptance sampling plans as an optimization problem, having as a goal the minimization of the squared error at the controlled points of the OC curve, and its subsequent solution employing GAMS.Findings – The results are in strong agreement with acceptance sampling plans available in the open literature. The papers approach in some scenarios ...
TL;DR: The House of Quality (HoQ) as discussed by the authors is a popular design tool that supports information processing and decision-making in the engineering design process, however, its use as a quantitative information tool in engineering design is potentially flawed.
Abstract: Purpose – The House of Quality (HoQ) is a popular design tool that supports information processing and decision making in the engineering design process. While its application is an aid to conceptual aspects of the design process, its use as a quantitative information tool in engineering design is potentially flawed. This flaw is a result of potential designer interpretation of the HoQ results – interpretation which is invalid given the assumptions and information sources behind the HoQ – and is viewed as a critical limitation on the results of the method which can lead to potentially invalid and/or poor decisions. In this paper this limitation and its implications are explored both experimentally and through simulated application.Design/methodology/approach – The approach taken in this research is to first study the HoQ through a “digital experiment” in order to identify the key factors that drive the quantitative results within the tool. Based on the results of the experiment, an example HoQ for a hair ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report on case-based research on portfolio management in a company that implemented it along with a new product development process, finding that portfolio management was implemented using a framework which employed a scoring system and qualitative information.
Abstract: Purpose – Since the importance of implementing portfolio management is growing world‐wide, this paper seeks to report on case‐based research on portfolio management in a company that implemented it along with a new product development process.Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a case study approach conducted in a manufacturing company in Brazil. Data were gathered through participation in portfolio meetings, non‐structured interviews, and document analysis; results were aggregated a posteriori to construct the case.Findings – The paper finds that portfolio management was implemented using a framework which employed a scoring system and qualitative information. The empirical evidence lends support to the existence of portfolio management practices as identified in the literature. In addition, the use of the proposed framework assisted the company in putting in place a methodology to select the right projects and to allocate both capital and personnel resources.Research limitations/implications –...
TL;DR: In this paper, the validity of the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence (CPE) for New Zealand organisations was evaluated using a structural equation model using the partial least squares method.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the validity of Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence (CPE) for New Zealand organisations and to identify methodological gaps.Design/methodology/approach – By means of data collected from a sample of 91 New Zealand organisations, through a self‐assessment instrument (as a proxy for the CPE) a structural equation model was studied using the partial least squares method. The measurement validity of the CPE as well as the implied causal relationships in the CPE framework was tested. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to gain additional insights.Findings – The measurement validity of the CPE was established; of the 13 implied causal relationships in the CPE framework, 11 were statistically significant, which compared favourably with past studies. The results endorse some salient features of quality management: reliance on measurement, analysis, and knowledge management; the involvement of people; and the role of leadership in setting direct...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the relationship between knowledge management and the quality of new product and identify different hidden patterns in which knowledge acquisition and dissemination affect the quality and performance of new products.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between knowledge management and the quality of new product and identify different hidden patterns in which knowledge acquisition and dissemination affect the quality of new product.Design/methodology/approach – Employs Additivity and Variance Stabilization (AVAS) analysis.Findings – The quality of new product is related to knowledge management significantly.Research limitations/implications – Implies that if organizations fail to understand the subtle ways by which different dimensions of knowledge acquisition and dissemination influence product quality, they may fail to harvest the full value of knowledge management in quality assurance.Originality/value – It is one of the first to assess the link between knowledge management and quality assurance.
TL;DR: The purpose of the paper is to present a proactive quality costs measurement methodology, which describes the value of quality improvements and the implication of this value on customers' profits.
Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to present a proactive quality costs measurement methodology, which describes the value of quality improvements and the implication of this value on customers' ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed to suggest technology roadmaps (TRMs) as a tool to assist with project selection and planning, which can support strategic planning by assuring that an organization is implementing the right projects at the right time.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show that existing project portfolio management methods have failed to take firms' long‐term strategies into account. To overcome this limitation, it is proposed to suggest technology road‐maps (TRMs) as a tool to assist with project selection and planning.Design/methodology/approach – Based on bibliographic and qualitative analysis, the paper develops a systematic process of building TRMs for project portfolio management. The proposed process was applied to the project selection and planning process of a Korean government R&D program.Findings – The paper finds that the suggested process can support strategic planning by assuring that an organization is implementing the right projects at the right time. During this process, the selection of experts, the flexibility of the process, the periodical updating of the TRM, and TRM standardization are regarded as critical issues for high‐quality technology road‐mapping.Research limitations/implications – The approach in t...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a methodology based on Petri nets to evaluate the reliability characteristics of the pulping system of a paper industry in a realistic working environment, where the effects of occurrence of failure/course of actions and availability of repair facilities on system performance have been investigated.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to propose a methodology based on Petri nets to evaluate the reliability characteristics of the pulping system of a paper industry in a realistic working environment. The effects of occurrence of failure/course of actions and availability of repair facilities on system performance have been investigated.Design/methodology/approach – Stochastic Reward Nets (SRN), an extension of Petri nets, are applied to model the interactions among the active/standby units of the system and reliability parameters have been evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation.Findings – The methodology adopted in this paper provides a better understanding of the behavior of the system under varying operating conditions. Reliability analysis of a pulping system of a paper industry presented in this paper will help the management in deciding upon the maintenance strategy to be adopted to improve the performance of the system and consequently reduce the operation and maintenance cost.Originality/value – The appli...
TL;DR: The MCDM methodology provides the decision maker with an ability to easily assess the impact of trading off R&D project portfolios tangible benefits and intangible benefits against constrained budget resources (investment costs), without the requirement for sophisticated and time‐consuming mathematical formulations.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline a structured Multi‐Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodology to help organisations efficiently allocate limited resources (investments in this case) to different R&D projects within attainable project portfolio strategy packages and select the efficient portfolios that align R&D investments to the corporate long‐term objectivesDesign/methodology/approach – In this paper a case study is used to present a proposed multi‐criteria methodology approach for project resource allocation The method provides the decision maker with an ability to easily assess the impact of trading off R&D project portfolios tangible benefits (short‐term profits) and intangible benefits (reliability and risk) against constrained budget resources (investment costs), without the requirement for sophisticated and time‐consuming mathematical formulationsFindings – Superior findings are achieved when decisions are assisted by computer‐based MCDM methodologyPractical implications – T